1998 Kia Shuma SLX 1.8 litre unleaded

Summary:

Faults:

Petrol filter replaced after 4 visits to dealer and then 2 subsequent visits to another. Car would not start on first, second or third key turn for several months whilst this problem was fixed.

Petrol gauge replaced several thousand kilometres later.

Alternator replaced once again after several trips to the dealer.

Fuel hose kept constantly tearing off engine. This then pumped fuel onto the alternator which subsequently was replaced again along with the fuel hose.

Starter motor repaired after car suffered further starting problems.

Brakes sub par. Wear quickly even without excessively hard braking.

Seatbelt bracket came away from mounting in car.

Radio malfunctioned from day 1. Have had it repaired so many times I have lost count.

General Comments:

After all these problems it is hard to mention anything positive. However:

It does have decent acceleration, and corners well at higher speeds.

It is relatively roomy, with good space in the back for adult sized passengers.

I am thoroughly disappointed, as I bought this car as my first new car, hoping for it to be an enjoyable thing. However I spent the first year and a half taking it back and forth to the dealers, who might I just say had less success fixing the car than I did guessing what was wrong. I have had to spend a great deal of further money keeping this car going and have not had enough to buy another. I will do so the minute I can save enough to make a purchase however. I simply could not recommend this car to any one else. After relating this story too many other people I have found that all, but 1 out of 10 conversations in regards to the KIA cars in general have not been positive. This says something loud and clear.

14th Jun 2003, 07:19

UPDATE: June14 2003 Car has now done 43000 kms and still is trouble free. I have now fitted Custom Made Extractors and Sports Exhaust System, which has given me another 10kw in power and the pick up in engine response is noticeable. I also seem to be getting better fuel economy (when I don't put the foot down... of course!). This car seems to surprise many people at the lights, they don't realise what a sleeper this little KIA is!!

22nd Jul 2004, 06:55

UPDATE July 22 2004. Car has now done 62,300kms and nothing much to report on. One thing I may have to look into is the O2 Sensor, it may not be working quite at the right temperature (due to where it has been relocated) since I had the extractors fitted. I find the car is much happier running on Premium Unleaded now and the Engine Response is so much more noticeable. I still enjoy driving my SHUMA around as it so easy and comfortable.